2012 Pennsylvania State 4-H Horse Show results

The 53rd annual Pennsylvania State 4-H Horse Show was held October 26, 27 and 28 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. More than 750 youth from 60 counties and 939 horses participated in 52 performance and 92 production classes and events throughout the weekend. There were 1324 entries shown by youth that qualified for the show.

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Wayne Independent - Honesdale, PA

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Posted Jan. 31, 2013 at 1:00 PM
Updated Jan 31, 2013 at 4:47 PM

Posted Jan. 31, 2013 at 1:00 PM
Updated Jan 31, 2013 at 4:47 PM

HARRISBURG

The 53rd annual Pennsylvania State 4-H Horse Show was held October 26, 27 and 28 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. More than 750 youth from 60 counties and 939 horses participated in 52 performance and 92 production classes and events throughout the weekend. There were 1324 entries shown by youth that qualified for the show.

The state show is the final competition of the year for 4-H horse members enrolled in performance and production projects. To be eligible for the show, members must advance through qualifying competitions at county, regional and district levels. Events include breed conformation and futurity classes for horses five years old and younger in the production division. The performance division includes showmanship, horsemanship, equitation, pleasure, over fences, driving, western riding, reining, trail and timed events. A therapeutic riding division for riders with special needs is also included. Results and photos from the show are available on the Pennsylvania 4-H Horse Program website.

All performance champions in the show were awarded leather bracelets with brass engraved plates donated by Perri's Leather of Lincoln University, Pennsylvania. Performance winners received champion ribbons and pewter plates and production champions received champion ribbons and engraved photo plates. All exhibitors in the therapeutic riding division received medallions donated by Hoy's Trophies and Awards of Export, Pennsylvania. Several sponsors donated items for the silent auction with proceeds to benefit the 4-H horse program. Show management and participants appreciate the continued support and generous donations from Perri's Leather and contributions from all show sponsors.

Rachel Sheffler from New Alexandria, Pennsylvania was recognized as the 2012 4-H Horse Program Outstanding Member. She received a custom tack closet donated by C & M Pine Products of Spring Mills, Pennsylvania.

Rachel is an eighth year 4-H member and is an active member and leader in the Harrold Alwine Horse Club and New Alex Ag 4-H Club in Westmoreland County. She has participated in performance and production horse projects, hippology, horsemanship skills, as well as beef, dairy goat, market goats and veterinary science 4-H projects. Rachel has served as officer, teen leader and camp counselor in her 4-H clubs and participated in numerous leadership and community service activities in Westmoreland County. She has successfully competed in county, district and state 4-H horse shows and participated in State 4-H Achievement Days, State 4-H Capital Days, National 4-H Conference and Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup. Her community service projects include donations and service projects to benefit military service men and women, Child Government Day, Christmas program at local nursing home and volunteer work at the Westmoreland County Humane Society.

Rachel states "The Pennsylvania 4-H Horse Program has allowed me to branch out and try things that I would have never had the opportunity to do before…The 4-H horse program has changed me as a person for the better and taught me so many skills. My final year is going to be about giving back to a program that has already given me so much." Rachel is currently a freshman at Penn State majoring in Veterinary and Biomedical Science.

Members of the 4-H Horse Program Development Committee provided custom belt buckles to two 4-H members for passing Level 4 of the Horsemanship Skills Program. Heather Colket, Chester County and Kate Basset, Northumberland County were recognized for passing Level 4. Buckle sponsors include Patty Kelly, Dr. Tammy Eichstadt, Donna Zang, Pam Nealer, Betsy Ullrich, Lew Trumble and Dave Gallaher.

The Horsemanship Skills Program is a progressive, educational program to develop safety, horsemanship and life skills of 4-H members. Youth are provided opportunities to learn skills and are tested by trained examiners before advancing to the next level. There are four levels beginning with a novice or beginner level and progressing to an advanced level. Level 4 is the highest level of the program and recognizes youth for their advanced level of horsemanship skills and ability to effectively ride and handle their horse.

Clinics and demonstrations with horses and riders were conducted by Team Horse Power members and industry professionals. Dr. Tammy Eichstadt conducted a demonstration on preparing the horse for Open Trail classes. Equine Extension Associates for the 4-H Horse Program, Bethany Bickel and Lew Trumble worked with Team Horse Power members to provide hands-on clinics for youth and adult participants. The clinics included showmanship and in-hand trail. Team Horse Power members worked with younger show participants to make and show mop ponies in three, popular interactive sessions. Team Horse Power is a leadership program that trains and empowers teens and young adults to develop their individual skills and in turn teach horsemanship skills and mentor youth. Team members work at county, regional and state activities to help youth improve their horsemanship abilities, promote safety and provide information about 4-H programs. Team Horse Power members were presented medallions in recognition of their achievements and service to the 4-H Horse Program.

Equine Educational Exhibits were on display throughout the show for youth to demonstrate acquired horsemanship knowledge. Exhibits were judged on equine related facts and educational content. The overall grand champion was the exhibit entitled "4-H Stars" from the Waterford Bucking Broncos 4-H Club of Erie County. The winner was awarded a perpetual trophy donated by Hoy's Trophies and Awards. A perpetual trophy, also donated by Hoy's Trophies and Awards, was awarded to the overall grand champion in the category of Good Housekeeping. This year's recipient of the Grand Champion award was Lehigh County.

Page 3 of 4 - In addition to the performance and production classes, the 14th Annual State 4-H Model Horse Show was held on Saturday. The Model Horse Show provides a means for youth to learn and perfect the hobby of collecting and showing model horses, while also learning about horse breeds, history, tack, equipment and related horse information. The model show is an opportunity for youth that may not be able to own and show live horses to participate in the show and learn more about the horse industry.

There are over 6,500 4-H horse projects involving youth throughout Pennsylvania. Programs are designed to develop life skills in youth and knowledge of horse production, use, and management. For additional information on 4-H horse programs in Pennsylvania, contact your county Penn State Cooperative Extension office at extension.psu.edu/counties or visit the Pennsylvania 4-H Horse Program web site at animalscience.psu.edu – go to Youth 4-H and horses.